3RD WEEK OF EASTER

Believe in the one he sent. 

How easily we can miss the deeper meaning of words that we use all the time! For example, the word “believe” is defined as accepting something to be true or having an opinion about something. But the ancient Greek word used in today’s Gospel is pisteuó, which can be used to describe profound trust and confidence.

Jesus tells the crowds to believe in the One that the Father sent (John 6:29). And who was that? Jesus himself—the One they had just seen multiply five barley loaves and two fish to feed thousands of people. He was the One who had healed people who were sick and delivered those possessed by demons. He fulfilled the words of the prophets and revealed that he truly was from the Father. He opened their hearts to the Father’s loving mercy and healed their wounds.

As they placed their faith in Jesus, they came to believe more deeply that he was “the Holy One of God” whom they had been longing for (John 6:69). That belief also caused them to follow him even when his teachings were hard. It inspired them to cling to Jesus when they were confused. Ultimately, it was their belief that moved them to give up their lives for him.

What about you? You’ve heard the truth about Jesus. You know that he became man so he could lay down his life for you and forgive you. You have learned that he has restored you to the Father through his death and that he has conquered death by his resurrection. You know that all of creation bows before him, and that even today, he is at work in the world and in your life. So how do you respond?

Believe! Trust him in your decision-making. Let him shape your desires to be like his own. Receive the grace to follow him, even when his teachings are hard. Run to him when you are confused. Affirm that you want to walk with him today, and be confident that he will take you by the hand.

In other words, declare again that you believe in Jesus, the One sent by the Father.

“Jesus, I believe you are the holy Son of God! I commit my life to following you.”

Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
John 6:22-29